BMW CEO: “BMW i3 less expensive than a 5 Series”

Earlier this year, in an interview for Automotive News, Ian Robertson, member of the BMW board responsible for sales and marketing, said BMW aims to sell …

Earlier this year, in an interview for Automotive News, Ian Robertson, member of the BMW board responsible for sales and marketing, said BMW aims to sell at least 30,000 units of its i3 electricvehicle a year beginning in 2014.

At the time, BMW sources told AutoNews the i3 will have a base price above 40,000 euros in Europe. “As with all BMW Group products, the BMW i3 will be a premium car,” Robertson said.

Yesterday, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer spoke to German newspaper Handelsblatt about the price of the i3 which according to BMW boss will position the electric vehicle below the 5 Series models. The newspaper mentions a starting price of less than 40,000 euros in Germany.

We believe the BMW i3 will have a base price somewhere between the 3 and 5 Series family, despite its cutting-edge technology and high R&D costs. The price point will allow BMW to remain competitive in the electric vehicles segment and successfully target customers from non-premium brands as well, such as Nissan.

The i3, previously known as Megacity Vehicle, is based around a light CFRP body structure and rides on a predominantly aluminum chassis. The i3 produces 168 horsepower and 184lb ft of torque, and it has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 s. BMW i3 measures 3845mm in length, 2011mm in width and 1537mm in height. The plug-in system is a compact electric motor mounted over the rear axle. It draws energy from the battery to provide drive to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.

BMW i3 will come to market in 2013 and will be available in North America as well.